How to build up your family this Family Day
Your family is unique, courageous, and beautiful.
It might not feel that way every day, but it’s the truth. Even on the days filled with chauffeuring, tantrums, not enough caffeine and too much laundry, there is beauty in your family’s story.
Noticing and being grateful for that beauty takes practice. But when we recognize and share gratitude for that beauty, we strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.
Family Spotlight
Meet the Perkin Family: Amy, Chris, and their children Ferris & Edison!
If you read my blog often, you’ll recognize this wonderful family. I’ve photographed the Perkins 11 times, and every time we get together it’s magic! See how much Edison has grown since her first birthday session. Ferris and Edison have become so comfortable with me, and I love that I can get their character to shine through the photos.
Amy wanted to capture memories that feel real, show their personality and celebrate the love in their family.
We had so much fun dancing, reading stories, building block towers and creating snow angels on the floor. We’re adding to their gallery wall and I cannot wait for Amy to see these gorgeous family memories in print!
Create meaningful moments
Sometimes we feel that to create a meaningful moment, we need to do everything perfectly. Turn on the music, get out the favourite game, bake the appetizers and the desserts, find the matching pajamas, oh don’t forget the camera! But I’m here to tell you that nothing needs to be perfect.
Let your real moments turn into memories. Focus on the intention of being together, be consciously present, and invite your loved ones into the moment as they are.
Sometimes the moments are just the little things, habits and rituals that you all share. Your inside jokes, playing a certain game, kissing your baby’s hands and feet, singing along in the car to a song that none of you know the right words to. Don’t force the moments — instead learn to be present in them to make them meaningful.
Express the love
We all express our love through different ways. Did you know there are five love languages, and that every person prefers to give and receive love in different ways?
Acts of Service: actions that help the loved one in some way or another.
Receiving Gifts: items or surprises that express your love for the person.
Quality Time: giving the loved one your undivided attention.
Words of Affirmation: using words to affirm and express your feelings for the person.
Physical Touch: hugging, holding hands, or sitting next to each other.
These love languages play a role in our family’s relationships, and impact how we connect with each other.
You can learn how your partner and children prefer to express love, and try to integrate those expressions into your everyday life. You could show affection through more hugs, or write notes for your husband, son or daughter. Help your children with a project. Set aside 30 minutes before bed to hang out with your partner. Or surprise your children with something as simple as a Kinder Egg.
Find the gratitude
Practicing gratitude helps us express our appreciation for our loved ones. It also improves our general well-being, relationships, health and happiness!
Gratitude, at its core, is an acknowledgement that something meaningful has happened for us or been done for us. It reinforces the cycle of giving and receiving, and increases our security and connectedness.
Practicing gratitude as a family can be saving gratitude notes in a family photo album, or having a conversation with each other about what we’re all grateful for at the end of the day.
Reflect on favourite memories
Ask your kids and partner about their favourite family memories, big events, funny moments, sayings or quotes. Listen to what everyone has to say: why is this a favourite memory? What about the memory stands out the most? You can learn so much about your loved ones by understanding more about what is memorable to them.
I love to find favourite family photos and remember what that moment was like, in as much detail as I can. The surroundings, the sensations, the noises, the people. Putting myself back in that moment brings warm, fuzzy feelings about that memory and the people I shared it with.
Intentionally sharing your love and appreciation for each member of your family is so important.
Family life can be so busy, so taking small moments to express gratitude and love helps cultivate togetherness. Sometimes family moments feel like they pass by too quickly, but you can change this perspective by capturing those moments on camera.
Photography helps you create a memorable experience with your loved ones, and reflect on moments that otherwise might slip away. The best way to relive these memories for years to come is by printing them. You ensure that no matter how your family grows and changes, your children will always have those memories to look back on.
Investing time and money in a session means you get to soak in the moments, express your love, and relive the family memories through printed art.
